January 28, 2013

The stories and anecdotes that surrounded the making of the
movie "Gone With the Wind" are as legendary as 1930s Hollywood
itself. "In Moonlight and Magnolias," one of those stories is
realized as a zany farce. The play uses slapstick and speculation to comically
comment on popular culture, the star system, and the role of Jews and Blacks in
the formation of the most powerful storytelling industry in the world.

Self-referential and melodramatic, the play is written in
the same way that Margaret Mitchell wrote her novel. There are moments of
insight, but more often, clunky dialog drags down the story. The play comes
alive with director Russell Garrett’s deft hand and ability to “find the funny”
on the arena stage.

The three fine actors who energetically infuse their
characters with charm, narcissism, and intelligence, portray what might have
happened when Selznick (Kevin Eldon) summoned screenwriter Ben Hecht (Allan
Greenberg) and director Victor Fleming (Bill Mootos) to “fix” the movie that
had already started production. The three attempt to reenact famous scenes
while sequestered for a five day period in Selznick’s office, including the
burning of Atlanta, the search for a better way for Rhett to say “I don’t give
a shit,” and the meaning of Scarlett’s famous last line in the movie, “Tomorrow
is another day.” Beleaguered secretary, Miss Poppenghul (Denise Walker) adds a
comic comment and the result is an evening of fun.

Playhouse on Park is a young professional theater, but
productions like this are promising. Kudos to the cast and the exceptional
production team for their attention to detail and allowing the spotlight to
shine on this story of Hollywood history with passion, whimsy, and good, old
fashioned fun!

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